The wiper and washer LED's flashing typically means that the AC system either has a fault, or simply needs to be retrained. The Check engine light coming on could have been simply because the instrument cluster had stopped communicating with the PCM, or it could be because the PCM detected a fault and commanded it on. The only way to know is to start by polling ALL of the vehicle modules for trouble codes, recording them and evaluating the results of the codes that were set. If the PCM did not store any codes, then the afore mentioned, loss of communication was the reason the lamp was on. Now the gages flat-lining. An instrument cluster "re-set" could do that if it was fairly quick in nature, say less than two seconds. In other words, the gages went to zero, paused, and then resumed operation. If the cluster was down longer than that it suggests again, a loss of communication between the cluster and the other modules (computers) in the car. A common reason for this is the loss of the instrument cluster ground connection because of a bad solder joint where the vehicle wiring harness connects to the cluster. This is something that MUST be proven before any repair attempt is made. A trained technician knows how to to do this. Anyone that simply starts throwing parts, such as the instrument cluster, the BCM, or the PCM is not considered a trained technician at this level. JMHO I would suggest seek out an electronics specialist in your area VIA a member search through the iATN. Here is a link that might be useful: The international Automotive Technicians Network

Law- I understand about wanting the cooktop and ovens close together! It is much easier, than hauling hot pans around the kitchen (and dodging kids in the process LOL). Here's another idea. If you're using a CD fridge, why not take advantage of that depth and put it closer to your work area? I put the fridge next to the door to the deck (close to the table and easy for kids to grab drinks). You still have the beautiful bump out window (for light and herbs) with the sink centered underneath. I put the dishwasher between the fridge and sink, but others might like it better on the other side. Whatever you decide, have you thought of DW drawers, rather than a raised DW? It gives you the standard countertop height, but a quick load can be put in the top drawer. If bending over is a problem, maybe a DW drawer on either side of your sink, with the trash moved to the island? The cooktop is now on the other wall, facing the kitchen table, where you can really see the backsplash and decorative elements. The ovens are on the wall to the dining room, with a nice countertop/landing space, next to them. I left your pull-out, since it brings the oven doors over to a better area, not right in the doorway. The doors to the dining room are moved over a bit, and the desk/storage area is smaller, but still there. On the island, you could put a prep sink, if you like, or use it more for a work area. It's really up to you. Same thing with the microwave. You could put one in the island, but with younger kids, you might want the kind that locks. For me, I also have back trouble at times (so literally feel your pain) so I'm planning to have one oven with the cooktop (or range) and one raised oven with the microwave over it. I have this oven/microwave set up now...and I really like it. Hope this gives you some more ideas for your kitchen! Oh, and sorry this is kind of rough...still getting used to paint, but hopefully you get the idea :)

With all the talk of cookies and cookie dough I couldn't stopped laughing after seeing debrak's photo!! (and of that super-loaded corner one id'd upthread with dibs! And as far as rescuing cookies visiting the floor, agree with annkh -especially since if I can cut the burnt bottoms off, I can and would just wipe them off if needed! Springroz - Just loved that shot of JR pulling the sleigh - ooohh just gorgeous! a2gemini - glad to see someone mention the blizzard of 66. As a young teenager my older sibs and I spent many extra days at home alone when our parents were stuck returning from an out-of-state funeral. They were nearly killed on the interstate and were lucky to get the last room at a motel. Snow levels were 8 feet with drifts over 12. As far as stocking up, I've often wonder if our interest in stocking up is a leftover evolutionary behavior...cannot for the life of me recall the actual term/phrase. I did only my regular shopping a day early, but did feel pressed to go before rather than after! Interesting thread! ...

I very much dislike stainless steel. As an accent, it can work well, but I always feel like I'm entering some industrial factory when I run into kitchens whose major appliances are covered in stainless steel. In addition, having had a Cuisinart drip coffee maker for several years now, which is mostly stainless steel (hey, an accent!) it is impossible to get the smudges, fingerprints and whatever else off it. I keep waiting for the thing to die a natural death so I can buy a new one. I prefer black, white, or certain colors (but for colors other than black or white, as others have noted, matching up the appliances is near impossible). My current major appliances are white, and my fridge, which is about five years old, has that yellowing plastic handle for no good reason I can determine. It's been yellowing noticeably for at least two or maybe three years. No sunlight really gets into the room, and I've never cleaned the handle with bleach. I use Simple Green or Method on it. In my upcoming build, I am going with black major appliances. I've had a brand new black microwave for nearly a year now -- it seems to be easy to keep clean, and I plan for it to move with me. The previous one was white, and at age 25 years of service, it had itself gone notably yellow. It did have something of a plastic frame. (I got rid of it partly for that reason, but mostly because I figured after 25 years of service, who knew what it was leaking...) The main problem with paneling major appliances in my view is the added expense that I'd rather put elsewhere into my build. (edit due to adding clarity on old microwave...) This post was edited by Artemis_MA on Fri, Feb 6, 15 at 18:12